Upper Darby high school holds student college fair

Upper Darby High School held its annual Career and College Exploration Fair Wednesday. It was an opportunity for more than 1,700 students to begin planning for their future.

The 16th Annual Exploration Fair for Upper Darby sophomores and juniors was held in the school's gymnasium.

It is an effort to promote the importance of higher education and career training.

"I was thinking more of the medical field," said junior Justin Venditti.

"We do offer a pre-med program at Millersville," said Jessenia Garcia, Millersville University. "We also work along with Lancaster General Health Hospital.

Representatives from more than 100 area colleges, universities, business and technical schools were on hand to talk to students about their specific areas of interest and what the schools and businesses have to offer.

"I really want to go to Gwyned University for X-ray technician," said junior Kiersten Tareila.

Kenyon McClary has known he wanted to be a chef since he was 6-years-old.

"I just talked to the Restaurant School, and I've been looking into J and A, and the Art Institute of Philadelphia," he said.

Also available for the students were spokesmen from apprentice programs and the armed services.

"We explain to them the National Guard, if they are planning on going to college, is one of the best services because they can go to college and serve at the same time," said Sgt. Anthony Peterson, U.S. Army.

A few Upper Darby seniors joined last year.

"It was kind of a big decision," said U.S. Army Private Brandon Wilson. "It kind of scared me at first, but they pay 100% of your tuition."

"My mom is in the Marines, my grandfather in the Air Force, and uncle a Captain in the Army, so it was pretty much something I wanted to do," said U.S. Army Private Adrian Gagliano.

One sophomore thought about enlisting in the military before he took the Navy challenge.

The event provided just three hours for students to learn more about what they might pursue in the years ahead.

Many of them say they were able to gain a wealth of knowledge in that time towards the first steps in finding a meaningful future.